Malaysia Prepares for the 2026 SDG 6.5.1 Integrated Water Resources Management Reporting

Malaysia is required to report on its progress toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the United Nations (UN). The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia serves as the National Focal Point for SDG Indicator 6.5, which aims to “implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate” by 2030.

In collaboration with the Malaysian Water Partnership (MyWP), DID convened a national consultation and capacity-building workshop on 4–5 August 2025 at Ibis KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, to support Malaysia’s preparation for the upcoming 2026 reporting cycle.

SDG 6.5 comprises two key indicators:

  • Indicator 6.5.1: Degree of integrated water resources management (IWRM) implementation

  • Indicator 6.5.2: Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational arrangement for water cooperation

The SDG 6.5 report is submitted every three years, with DID Malaysia responsible for compiling and coordinating the national assessment. The next report is scheduled for submission in 2026.

Workshop Objectives

  • To provide information on the SDG 6.5 indicator assessment methodology

  • To explain the role of state-level agencies in supporting the preparation of the SDG 6.5.1 indicator report

  • To collect current data from state agencies relevant to the SDG 6.5.1 assessment